Behind every American farm family is the backbone of the operation: the farm mom. Monsanto is honoring her contributions to her family, farm, community and industry with the 2011 America’s Farmers Mom of the Year program.

Applications will be accepted through Mother’s Day at AmericasFarmers.com. Five regional winners will be announced on May 16, when winners’ profiles and nominations will be posted on the website. Each regional winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize from Monsanto, and the farm mom receiving the most online votes by May 26 will receive an additional $2,500 and the title of America’s Farmers Mom of the Year 2011.

Farm moms make valuable contributions in the field, and often they are also bookkeepers, cooks, teachers, FFA advisers, 4-H leaders, veterinarians, drivers, mentors, spokespeople and volunteers.

“Farm moms do it all, from supporting their family farming operations to bettering their communities, all while raising the next generation of America’s farmers,” says Chris Chavis, Monsanto spokeswoman for the America’s Farmers Mom of the Year program. “In addition, today’s farm women are passionate advocates for the industry. They work long hours and often go unrecognized for all their efforts. This program is our way to thank farm women everywhere for everything they do.”

Monsanto introduced its America’s Farmers Mom of the Year program in 2010. Nominations were received from 45 states from people nominating their mothers, sisters, wives, friends, teachers and themselves. Online voting selected Carol Cowan, of a soybean, wheat, alfalfa and cattle operation in Watonga, Okla., as the national winner. As Carol’s friend, Nancy Baker, stated in her nomination, “I believe our country would have better people in it if they were all raised on a farm with Carol. She could show anyone how hard, honest work will make you happy and successful. Every family needs a mom like Carol.”

“Being a part of the America’s Farmers Mom of the Year program was very exciting, and I am deeply humbled to have this title,” Cowan says, “There are many dedicated women in this great nation who would be equally or more deserving of this honor, and I applaud them all. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere but on our farm and ranch!” 

“We were overwhelmed by the quality and diversity of the nominations we received last year,” Chavis says. “We’re looking forward to reading about more amazing, hardworking farm moms this year. I encourage everyone to nominate their favorite farm mom – she could be this year’s winner!”

To be eligible, a mom must be at least 18 years of age and work on a working farm or livestock operation. Anyone can submit a nomination by visiting the America’s Farmers website and explaining in 300 words or fewer how their favorite farm mom embodies the farm family way of life. Nominations will be judged by Monsanto and American Agri-Women (AAW), a national coalition of women’s farmer, ranch and agribusiness organizations.

Complete eligibility requirements and official rules for America’s Farmers Mom of the Year can be obtained online at www.AmericasFarmers.com or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to America’s Farmers Mom of the Year Program, 914 Spruce Street, St. Louis, MO 63102.

Monsanto’s America’s Farmers Mom of the Year is an extension of the America’s Farmers program, which celebrates the contributions of America’s farmers, who provide food, energy and clothing for a growing planet.